Ferjestad, three, and Linköping, four, ended 2019 with a total of seven straight losses. Therefore, the first SHL match in ice hockey in 2020 was about restoring damaged self-confidence.

That belief in one's own ability for the moment fails was apparent on both levels - especially in the first period.

There were few passes that landed where they were going and the goalkeepers were allowed to act as spectators rather than participants.

Aim on the first shot

Ferjestad had the puck more than Linköping but very rarely in the dangerous areas in front of goalie Jacob Johansson.

The guests, for their part, did not get the puck for home keeper Arvid Holm - until American Joe Whitney was given a free gift to Färjestads forward Johan Ryno. The first shot on goal went in goal and Linköping took the lead, 1-0.

Before the match, Linköping was the worst in SHL managing an opening goal, when it was only three points once in nine attempts.

This time the answer was delayed - but it came.

Just over seven minutes into the third period, Färjestads received the best formation for the evening with Linus Johansson, Per Åslund and Victor Ejdsell distributing on all long victories in the offensive zone. The Czech slop Vojtech Mozik brought the puck to Ejdsell, who rushed directly for his twelfth hit for the season, 1–1.

New turn

At the end of October, Linköping led with both 2-0 and 3-1 at home against Färjestad but lost in the extension. This time the Karlstad team finally took care of all three points.

Victor Ejdsell was not satisfied with the receipt goal. With just over six minutes left of the match, he shot straight again, on Linus Johansson's pass.

The puck sailed into the cross and meant the first victory since December 19. With half a second left, Gustav Rydahl put 3-1 in the empty cage.

With the three-pointer, Färjestad is up alongside the table van Frölunda, four points behind Luleå.

Linköping continues to balance on the qualifying line, one point ahead of Leksand and Oskarshamn.